Author

Advisor

Date

Type

Department

Degree Level

Degree Name

Statistics

Abstract

DHA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid established to have anti-cancer effects in a
variety of models of cancer. The consequences of DHA supplementation on malignant
cells has been widely studied, though little has been done on nontransformed cells. In the
current study, an evaluation of DHA’s effect on two genetically matched pairs of
malignant and nontransformed lung epithelial cell lines is proposed. Current data
suggests the two pairs of cell lines show significant differences in how well they respond
to DHA treatment. Cell signaling analysis showed a differential response between the
neoplastic and nonneoplastic cell lines. Preliminary data showed the nontransformed and
transformed cell lines to have a decrease in proliferation when treated with high doses of
DHA. In addition, lipid peroxidation as an indicator of oxidative stress was confirmed
upon treatment with docosahexaenoic acid. Further identifying the mechanisms of action
is critical to understanding how response to DHA can be enhanced in tumors, while
improving the health of normal tissues.